Age-related rates of colorectal cancer and the factors associated with overall survival

In the US, the incidence of early onset colorectal cancer (CRC) for people under the age of 50 years has been increasing (1). This trend is alarming, with a statement highlighting its importance added to the most recent version of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for colon and rectal cancer (2,3). Several causes for this increase have been described. From a biological perspective, more aggressive pathologic, molecular or genetic features have been identified which may be contributing to the increased incidence (4-7). Changes in risk factors among younger adults over time, including diets higher in fat and increasing obesity, are also in part, contributing to this rising trend (8,9)